LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Army National Guard received honors from senior Guard leaders in Orlando, Fla., last week for success in various areas of recruiting and strength maintenance. Current Soldier strength stands at over 9,000 Soldiers; 108% of goal. For the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, Michigan's Recruiting and Retention Command exceeded the expected number of new recruits by signing up 1,542 new Guardsman. In addition, efforts to retain current members and minimize losses of newly enlisted personnel grew the total force size to 9,200. "I think our success is based on many positive factors," said Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard. "But it often comes down to word of mouth and the testimonies of our Soldiers and Airmen that convince people to join. College money and high tech training isn't what's selling. It's the honesty and reality of what we're doing for the citizens of our state and nation and it starts with service."

Lt. Col. Shawn Harris, commander of the Army Guard Recruiting and Retention Command added, "While the recruiting staff officially won this award, equal credit goes to go the Soldiers and leaders who support recruiting and retention efforts. Guard members who take the time to work with new enlistees, share personal experiences, and promote camaraderie are winners as well."

The success of traditional recruiting efforts can also be attributed to increased emphasis on preparing new recruits for basic training through the Recruit Sustainment Program, where recruiters stay connected with the newly enlisted soldiers through their transition into the Guard.

Today, approximately 1,600 Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are deployed to locations around the globe. Since Sept. 11, 2001, approximately 75 percent of the Michigan Guard has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; however, as Michigan troops serve the nation, more than 80 percent of the Michigan Guard remains available and ready to respond to state or federal emergencies.

To learn more about the Michigan Army National visit www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com.

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Photo Caption: Michigan National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Thomas Cutler (far left) and Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Gen. James Anderson (far right) congratulate Recruiting and Retention leaders during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Lans., October 14, 2008.